Evaluation of shear cutting process and cutting damage of composites

CFRP unidirectional laminate during shearing process

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have been frequently applied to various structures because of their light weight and high strength. However, their production cost is usually high due to the long processing time required. Shear cutting will drastically reduce the processing time and improve production efficiency. Matrix cracks and delaminations will be generated without optimization of the cutting conditions. This study then experimentally and analytically evaluates the damage extension in CFRP laminates during shear cutting. We use the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for numerical prediction, and two models, i.e., the orthotropic homogeneous model and inhomogeneous (fiber/matrix) model, are employed to simulate the dynamic cutting response. Our final goal is to clarify the mechanisms of shear cutting of CFRPs and to evaluate the accompanying damage extension.